Italian
A new trailer for “Queen of the Ring,” from writer-director Ash Avildsen, gives a first look at “Arrow” star Emily Bett Rickards as legendary professional wrestler Mildred Burke.
The true-life tale follows Burke as she defies incredible odds to become the first million-dollar female athlete and longest reigning champion at a time when wrestling was banned across most of America.
Despite her success throughout the ’40s and ’50s, Burke’s journey is marked by personal struggles, including raising her son on the road, the tragic death of her wrestling protégé in the ring and a tumultuous relationship with her manager and ex-husband, Billy Wolfe (Lucas).
The film is based on Pulitzer-prize winning author Jeff Leen’s book “The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend.”
Popular on Variety Josh Lucas (“Sweet Home Alabama”), Walton Goggins (“The Hateful Eight”), Gavin Casalegno (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”), Tyler Posey (“Teen Wolf”), Francesca Eastwood (“Juror No. 2”), Deborah Ann Woll (“Daredevil”), Cara Buono (“Stranger Things”), Marie Avgeropoulos (“The 100”), Kelli Berglund (“Heels”), Adam Demos (“Sex/Life”), Martin Kove (“Cobra Kai”) and Damaris Lewis (“BlacKkKlansman”) also star.
Avildsen, Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins and B.D. Gunnel are producers, while Kelly Koep, Jeff Leen, Jim Ross and Anthony Mastromauro executive produce.
“Storytelling has always been my greatest passion, and ‘Queen of the Ring’ represents a culmination of my journey both personally and professionally,” Avildsen said of the film. “At the age of 34, I finally met my father, acclaimed director John G. Avildsen, known for iconic films such as ‘Rocky’ and ‘The Karate Kid.’ Building a beautiful bond with my father as an adult was life-changing, deeply influencing my approach to storytelling and imbuing my work with a profound sense of purpose and authenticity. Growing up without a father defined me in my youth, but becoming best friends with him later in life has been transformative.”
“Queen of the Ring” made its world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Oct. 19. CAA Media Finance represents the film’s distribution rights.
The film will be released theatrically in the U.S. on March 7, 2025. Watch the “Queen of the Ring” trailer:
